It was a deep blue colored night and those who gazed up could see an infinite sky of stars, the
brightest ones hanging like majestic diamonds reflecting their light on the peaceful waters of
Lake Atitlán. This reflection provided a faint light, making a contrast with the darker color of the
majestic volcanoes and mountains that surrounded the Lake. It truly offered a magical
atmosphere to the twelve Mayan tribes settled around the Lake.
But to the Great Grandfathers, the Great Grandmothers, the Heart of the Sky and the Heart of
the Earth, who from unimaginable heights looked down, there were three immense hearts that
overshadowed all these lights and, to their eyes, were brighter even than the brightest of stars
of that night. These three hearts belonged to the three people who, in representation of the
Quiché, Kakchiquel and Tzutujil nations, had been chosen by the Gods to perform the feats that
would bring honor to Mayan culture as a whole. These feats promised to bring a peace longed
for by all Mayan nations, which during those times waged war against each other – a war
amongst brothers. For this reason, they were now closely watched by the Gods.
